I wish people wouldn’t smoke. They do though. But why do they have to throw cigarette butts and empty packs out across the countryside? Smoking increases your risk of heart attack, lung cancer, stroke, esophageal cancer and much, much more. Let’s not forget about secondhand smoke and its impact on the health of innocent bystanders!
Cigarette Smoking Statistics
In the United States, an estimated 26.3 million men (25.2 percent) and 21.2 million women (20.7 percent) are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show…*
Among whites, 25.2 percent of men and 20.7 percent of women smoke (2002).
Among black or African Americans, 27.0 percent of men and 18.5 percent of women smoke (2002).
Among Hispanics/Latinos, 23.2 percent of men and 12.5 percent of women smoke (1999-2001).
Among Asians (only), 21.3 percent of men and 6.9 percent of women smoke (1999-2001).
Among American Indians/Alaska Natives (only), 32.0 percent of men and 36.9 percent of women smoke (1999-2001).
Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those with 9-11 years of education (35.4 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (11.6 percent). It’s highest among persons living below the poverty level (33.3 percent).
* National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 1999???2001, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Health United States 2003 and 2004